# Patent

## Title
Anthropomorphic upper seatback

## Abstract

A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback frame. An articulating upper thoracic region is operably coupled with the seatback frame and includes a cross-vehicle support, a torso vertical support, and a suspension support. The articulating upper thoracic region is pivotally coupled with a mid-portion of the seatback frame between stowed and deployed positions. A back panel is operably coupled to a rear side of the seatback frame. A front close-out panel is disposed between a rear portion of the articulating upper thoracic region and the back panel. A peripheral gap is disposed between the front close-out panel and the articulating upper thoracic region.

## Background
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle seating assembly, and more particularly to a seatback designed with an anthropomorphic upper seatback for a vehicle seating assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Seating assemblies for vehicles typically include a seatback to support the back of an occupant in an upright seated position and various reclined positions. Seatbacks of these vehicle seating assemblies are commonly designed to support an occupant upon acceleration, change in direction, and collision of the vehicle, such that the seatbacks are substantially rigid in construction and lack adequate adjustment features.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback frame. An articulating upper thoracic region is operably coupled with the seatback frame and includes a cross-vehicle support, a torso vertical support, and a suspension support. The articulating upper thoracic region is pivotally coupled with a mid-portion of the seatback frame between stowed and deployed positions. A back panel is operably coupled to a rear side of the seatback frame. A front close-out panel is disposed between a rear portion of the articulating upper thoracic region and the back panel. A peripheral gap is disposed between the front close-out panel and the articulating upper thoracic region.
According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback frame. An articulating upper thoracic region is operably coupled with the seatback frame and includes a cross-vehicle support, a torso vertical support, and a suspension support. The articulating upper thoracic region is pivotally coupled with a mid-portion of the seatback frame between stowed and deployed positions. A rear portion of the articulating upper thoracic region defines a peripheral gap.
According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback frame. An articulating upper thoracic region is pivotally coupled with a mid-portion of the seatback frame and operable between stowed and deployed positions. A rear portion of the articulating upper thoracic region defines a peripheral gap. The articulating upper thoracic region includes a laterally-flexible cross-vehicle support, a torso vertical support, and an adjustable suspension support that is dependent on the relative position of the articulating upper thoracic region.
According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback that includes an articulating upper thoracic region configured to conform to the upper back of a seated occupant. The articulating upper thoracic region includes a cross-vehicle support, a torso vertical support, and a suspension support. Each of the support features is generally configured to provide a comfortable and safe ride to occupants ranging in size from a fifth percentile female to a ninety-fifth percentile male generally based on size characteristics including height, weight, etc. The dimensions and support in relation to the articulating upper thoracic region have been fine-tuned to specifically accommodate the anthropomorphic characteristics of a human being that satisfies the characteristics noted above.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vehicle seating assembly of the present disclosure disposed in a vehicle;
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of an upper thoracic region of the vehicle seating assembly according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 3B is a top plan view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3D is a side elevational view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an upper thoracic region of the present disclosure with a cushion assembly removed;
FIG. 4B is a top plan view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4C is a front elevational view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4D is a side elevational view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5A is a side perspective view of an upper thoracic region of the present disclosure in a deployed position;
FIG. 5B is a top plan view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5C is a front elevational view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 5A; and
FIG. 5D is a side elevational view of the upper thoracic region illustrated in FIG. 5A.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.
Referring to the embodiment generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-5D, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle seating assembly having a seatback frame 12. An articulating upper thoracic region 14 is operably coupled with the seatback frame 12 and includes a cross-vehicle support 18, a torso vertical support 20, and a suspension support 22. The articulating upper thoracic region 14 is pivotally coupled with a mid-portion 24 of the seatback frame 12 between stowed and deployed positions. A back panel 26 is operably coupled to a rear side 28 of the seatback frame 12. A front close-out panel 30 is disposed between a rear portion 32 of the articulating upper thoracic region 14 and the back panel 26. A peripheral gap 34 is disposed between the front close-out panel 30 and the articulating upper thoracic region 14 when the articulating upper thoracic region is in the stowed and the deployed positions (see FIG. 31) (stowed) and FIG. 51) (deployed)).
With reference again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle seating assembly 10 may be used in any vehicle 40, such as a car, a truck, a van, etc. It is also contemplated that the concept set forth in this disclosure may be utilized in a front or forward position of the vehicle 40 as well as in a rear or rearward position of the vehicle 40. The vehicle seating assembly 10, as illustrated, includes a seat base 42 that is positioned on rail slides 44 to allow fore and aft movement of the vehicle seating assembly 10 relative to the vehicle 40. A seat 46 is operably coupled with the seat base 42 and is movable relative thereto, as set forth in further detail below. In addition, a seatback 48 of the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes a seatback cushion assembly 49 that covers a lower lumbar region 50 and an upper thoracic region 52 as well as a head restraint 54. Each of the components of the seatback 48 may be configured for adjustability to properly support the weight of various occupants inside the vehicle 40.
The seat 46 of the vehicle seating assembly 10 generally includes the seat base 42 having first and second side bolsters adjacent thereto. In addition, first and second thigh supports are located in a forward position relative to the seat base 42. The first and second thigh supports are operable to move between forward and rearward positions, as well as being rotatable between raised and lowered positions. Functionality associated with different articulating features of the seat 46 may be manually adjusted or adjusted via a motorized system disposed inside the vehicle seating assembly 10. In addition, it will be understood that the seatback 48 is pivotally coupled with the seat 46 to allow for a variety of reclined positions relative to the seat 46.
With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3D, the illustrated seatback 48 is shown having a cross-vehicle support designated by an arrow A extending across the seatback 48 proximate the cross-vehicle support 18. The cross-vehicle support 18 provides a lateral or horizontal support to the upper back of an occupant proximate the shoulder blades of an occupant. The cross-vehicle support 18, which is provided by the articulating upper thoracic region 14 provides flexible and adjustable support to an occupant falling within the fifth percentile female size/weight to the ninety-fifth percentile male size/weight. The cross-vehicle support 18 extends from a first side 70 of a seatback cushion assembly 72 to a second side 74 of the seatback cushion assembly 72. This dimension may be generally defined as between 380 mm and 450 mm, between 400 mm and 430 mm, or approximately 417 mm. It will be understood that these dimensions have been determined based on anthropomorphic considerations associated with the size and shape of the human body and occupants that range from the fifth percentile female size/weight to the ninety-fifth percentile male size/weight. However, adjustments in the actual dimensions could be made based on a variety of other factors, including the thickness and weight of clothing, the degree of compression of the seatback cushion assembly 72, and the relative rotated position of the seatback 48 relative to the seat 46. Nevertheless, in view of the typical height and weight of the range of occupants to which the seat 46 specifically addresses performance considerations, the measurements noted above will likely suit those occupants.
In addition, the torso vertical support 20 is illustrated by arrow B. It will be understood that arrow B covers the distance between the axis of rotation of the articulating upper thoracic region 14 and a top distal end 90 of the articulating upper thoracic region 14. Stated differently, arrow B extends from the pivot axis of the upper seatback to the topmost portion of the articulating upper thoracic region 14.
The torso vertical support 20, as illustrated by arrow B, is provided by the articulating upper thoracic region 14. The structure of the articulating upper thoracic region 14, which includes an inverted U-shaped tube 80 with an outer flange 82 that extends laterally and upwardly from the U-shaped tube 80 (FIGS. 4A-4D). The U-shaped tube 80 and the outer flange 82 provide some degree of flexure relative to the seatback 48. The articulating upper thoracic region 14 is generally configured to flex rearward in a cantilevered manner approximately 14 percent to 86 percent rearward. Typically, a seam 84 between the lower lumbar region 50 and the upper thoracic region 52 of the seatback 48 will be located proximate a pivot axis D of the torso vertical support 20. The distance designated by arrow B from the axis of rotation D to a top distal end 90 of the articulating upper thoracic region 14 may be between 220 mm to 340 mm, between 260 mm and 300 mm, or approximately 288 mm. These dimensions are specifically directed to the anthropomorphic design considerations associated with providing a vehicle seating assembly 10 that will accommodate an occupant that ranges in size and weight from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male.
With reference again to FIGS. 4A-4D, the same general support systems, which include the cross-vehicle support 18 and the torso vertical support 20 are illustrated with the seatback cushion assembly 49 removed from the seatback 48. Notably, there is some degree of flexure in the articulating upper thoracic region 14. More specifically, the U-shaped tube 80 and flexible outer flange 82 connected thereto provide some degree of flexure that extends across the articulating upper thoracic region 14. Unlike the distance A of the cross-vertical support 18, or the distance B of the torso vertical support 20, which remain largely unchanged, distance C of the suspension support 22 is variable and depends on the desire of an occupant to adjust the seatback 48 for comfort.
With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5D, the suspension support 22 is clearly illustrated, which provides cantilevered support from a pivot axis to a topmost portion of the articulating upper thoracic region 14. Notably, the suspension support 22 provides a varying degree of flexibility and support, depending on the relative position or degree of rotation of the articulating upper thoracic region 14, as desired by the occupant. Accordingly, more flexibility is gained when the articulating upper thoracic region 14 is in the deployed position versus when the articulating upper thoracic region 14 is in the stowed position. The overall distance of travel associated with the suspension support 22 is generally between 25 mm and 85 mm, or between 40 mm and 70 mm, or approximately 67 mm. These distances are generally associated with the anthropomorphic considerations associated with the human body for occupants ranging from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male.
The vehicle seating assembly 10, as set forth herein, and the cross-vehicle support 18, the torso vertical support 20, and the suspension support 22 are particularly tailored to the size and weight of a human body ranging from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male. Traditional seating arrangements for vehicles are often constructed based on ease of manufacture and constraints associated with the available space inside the vehicle 40. Accordingly, the sizes and dimensions, as set forth herein, and as associated with the support provided to an occupant ranging from a fifth percentile female to a ninety-fifth percentile male, are important. It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that traditional seating arrangements do not cater to individuals that fall within this range, and instead, provide more of a “one size fits all” seating system that does not fit occupants comfortably.
It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

## Claims

1. A vehicle seating assembly comprising:
a seatback frame;
an articulating upper thoracic region operably coupled with the seatback frame and comprising:
a cross-vehicle support;
a torso vertical support; and
a suspension support;
wherein the articulating upper thoracic region is pivotally coupled with a mid-portion of the seatback frame between stowed and deployed positions;
a back panel operably coupled to a rear side of the seatback frame;
a front close-out panel disposed between a rear portion of the articulating upper thoracic region and the back panel; and
a peripheral gap disposed between the front close-out panel and the articulating upper thoracic region when the articulating upper thoracic region is in the stowed and the deployed positions.

2. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein a lateral distance from a first side to a second side of the cross-vehicle support is approximately 400 mm to 430 mm.

3. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 2, wherein the lateral distance from a first side to a second side of the cross-vehicle support is approximately 417 mm.

4. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the torso vertical support extends upwardly from a mid-portion of the seatback frame approximately 260 mm to 300 mm.

5. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 4, wherein the torso vertical support extends upwardly from a mid-portion of the seatback frame approximately 288 mm.

6. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 1, wherein the articulating upper thoracic region is rotatable to a position that translates a top edge of the articulating upper thoracic region forward approximately 40 mm to 70 mm, increasing the width of the peripheral gap at the top of the seatback frame.

7. A vehicle seating assembly comprising:
a seatback frame;
an articulating upper thoracic region operably coupled with the seatback frame and comprising:
a cross-vehicle support;
a torso vertical support; and a suspension support; and
wherein the articulating upper thoracic region is pivotally coupled with the seatback frame between stowed and deployed positions, and defines a peripheral gap in the stowed and the deployed positions.

8. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein a lateral distance from a first side to a second side of the cross-vehicle support is approximately 400 mm to 430 mm.

9. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 8, wherein the lateral distance from a first side to a second side of the cross-vehicle support is approximately 417 mm.

10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the torso vertical support extends upwardly from a mid-portion of the seatback frame approximately 260 mm to 300 mm.

11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 10, wherein the torso vertical support extends upwardly from a mid-portion of the seatback frame approximately 288 mm.

12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 7, wherein the articulating upper thoracic region is rotatable to a position that translates a top edge of the articulating upper thoracic region forward approximately 40 mm to 70 mm, increasing a width of the peripheral gap at the top of the seatback frame.

13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the articulating upper thoracic region is configured to flex rearward in a cantilevered manner approximately 14 percent to 86 percent rearward.

14. A vehicle seating assembly comprising:
a seatback frame;
an articulating upper thoracic region pivotally coupled with a mid-portion of the seatback frame and operable between stowed and deployed positions, wherein a rear portion of the articulating upper thoracic region defines a peripheral gap, the articulating upper thoracic region including:
a laterally-flexible cross-vehicle support; a torso vertical support; and
an adjustable suspension support that is dependent on a relative position of the articulating upper thoracic region.

15. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein a lateral distance from a first side to a second side of the laterally-flexible cross-vehicle support is approximately 400 mm to 430 mm.

16. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 15, wherein the lateral distance from a first side to a second side of the laterally-flexible cross-vehicle support is approximately 417 mm.

17. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the torso vertical support extends upwardly from a mid-portion of the seatback frame approximately 260 mm to 300 mm.

18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the torso vertical support extends upwardly from a mid-portion of the seatback frame approximately 288 mm.

19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 14, wherein the articulating upper thoracic region is rotatable to a position that translates a top edge of the articulating upper thoracic region forward approximately 40 mm to 70 mm, increasing a width of the peripheral gap at the top of the seatback frame.

20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 19, wherein the articulating upper thoracic region is configured to flex rearward in a cantilevered manner approximately 14 percent to 86 percent rearward.